Though Keith has transitioned from the physical realm, his vision lives on in Keith's Cacao and is the cornerstone of our work.
As the Original and World's Finest Ceremonial Cacao, meticulously sourced, produced, and distributed with intention, we are honored to uphold this vision and passion of sharing the highest-quality Ceremonial Cacao with the world and are excited to be celebrating 21 years!
Below, you will find stories, interviews, and videos that recount the origin story of Keith's Cacao and how one man's passion, dedication, and love birthed the ever-expanding modern-day Ceremonial Cacao Movement across the Western world. The story behind Keith's Cacao is one of pure intentions, devotion, and integrity. It is a story of deep listening and personal connection with the energy of a plant medicine teacher and the fulfillment of an ancient myth that says,
"When mankind gets out of harmony with the natural world, Cacao comes out of the rainforest to open hearts and reestablish the balance."
On this momentous occasion, we are offering all Keith's Cacao enthusiasts exclusive access to high-resolution photos of Keith. We hope you will use these downloadable images to adorn altars or special places within your home or office. Kindly follow this link to obtain them and be part of this celebration.
Keith spent three years traveling from southern Mexico to northern Panama, buying cacao beans in markets from indigenous growers, noting the date and place of purchase. Then he would sample a batch in the morning and one at night. And that is how he came to know his Cacao!
Keith learned to recognize the beans that had the vibrational frequency he needed for his work. He began to make Cacao Paste at his home, guided by the Cacao Spirit itself. Things quickly took off from there!
Hear Keith tell stories of how he was invited and connected with Indigenous tribes that work with the Spirit of Cacao. How he was received and validated. An incredibly touching narration of just two of the endless stories that make up Keith's 20-year journey with Ceremonial Cacao.
The Far Out hosts introduce Keith as the man responsible for introducing Ceremonial Cacao to the world.
Keith before Cacao! From training in energy and working with AIDS patients in Manhattan to making his way to Guatemala.
Keith is visited by the Cacao Spirit and embarks on a journey of getting to know the energy and finding the best beans to make the finest, medicinal, heart-opening chocolate!
Keith's work with Cacao vs traditional shamanic uses. Keith's mission and why he was chosen by the Cacao Spirit to do this work.
From working with Cacao on the porch to supplying Cacao to be used with breathwork, dance, yoga, kirtan, hiking, and in the fields of creativity, productivity, and athletics.
The difference between Keith’s Cacao and other Cacao. Some of the incredible health benefits of Cacao, its function as an adaptogen, and value as a superfood.
Keith describes the whole process from bean to cup. He explains the stages of fermentation, roasting, hand-peeling and sorting in the preparation of Keith’s Cacao bricks.
Growing and reaching more people. Keith elaborates on his mission and work with –and for– the Cacao Spirit and the gift of being on this journey with Cacao for (now) 20 years!
A short glimpse into Keith Wilson's spiritual/healing work. Keith partnered with his Cacao to facilitate connection to our deepest true nature and, inevitably, connection with one another.
A short note from Keith's Cacao CEO, Rick Wessels
When Keith's Cacao CEO, Rick Wessels, first visited San Marcos is 2016, the only place one could buy Ceremonial Cacao and experience a Cacao Ceremony was on Keith's porch.
Click on the link below to watch a short video on how we produce the Original and World's Finest 100% Pure Ceremonial Cacao.
Providing the best possible product to our customers, all around the world, and supporting the people who work with us and the greater San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala community, is very important to the entire Keith's Cacao organization.
We are honored to share a glimpse into the lives of the amazing women who toast and hand peel every one of our cacao beans. When you purchase a brick of Keith's Cacao you help us support these women and their families.
This video was filmed with the help of chief worker in our taller, Rosalinda Sajvin Sajvin, who translated between the local Kaqchiquel and Spanish.
"There is no right way to share Cacao, only your way!"
Although the plant and its seeds were revered for thousands of years by the peoples of Mesoamerica, no specific form of ceremony has survived.
Cacao Ceremonies as we know them today began with the man behind Keith's Cacao, the Chocolate Shaman himself.
Keith Wilson wrote extensively on all things Cacao. You can find excerpts of his deep and broad knowledge and wisdom on our Blog.